Project StatementThis private residence is situated within
a three-acre native hardwood forest overlooking Farrar
Pond, one of the many ponds linked to Walden Pond, Thoreau’s
historic home in Lincoln, Massachusetts. The design
intent was to harmonize contemporary materials and design
elements with this native plant palate and natural kettle
and kame geology. A rich tapestry of native plants that
transform over the seasons weaves seamlessly with the
existing forest. The sculptural fence flows through
openings in the forest and over various ground plane
materials, both defining and blurring boundaries. The
landscape design reflects the clients deep respect for
land stewardship while asserting a contemporary design
language that reflects the clients interest in art and
sculpture.

Project Narrative:
The design seeks to enhance the natural beauty of the
site by using a rich tapestry of native plants that
protect the existing ecological and watershed conditions.
Hay Scented Ferns, Haircap Moss, Thyme, Paper and River
Birches, White Oaks, Tartarian Dogwoods, and White Pines
are interwoven with the existing vegetated areas of
the site. Clethra alnifolia, Cornus mas, Kalmia latifolia,
Fothergilla major, and Viburnum plicatum create a shrub
layer for screening and edge definition. Siberian squill,
Snakeroot, and Lilacs offer multiseason color at threshold
zones in the design.

The plant palate defies conventional
high maintenance plant choices and opts for options
that do not require chemical maintenance or any irrigation
systems. A grove of Paper Birch (Betula Utilis) frames
the main entry to the driveway. A secondary gateway
of River Birch (Betula nigra) is located prior to the
main pedestrian entry to the house. Finally, a third
Paper Birch grove is designed to weave through the CorTen
Fence and creates a dialogue with the existing Birch
trees throughout the native forest landscape that slopes
down to Farrar Pond.

The programmatic needs included a protected
zone for their dogs and a secure area for short walks,
a series of pathways through the property and a koi
pond that overlooks Farrar Pond from an exterior lilac
bluestone patio area. Granite stepping stones are stitched
with a moss and thyme ground cover offering an experientially
and visually dynamic path through the forest. A CorTen
fence weaves in and out of the native hardwood forest
registering the movement of the ground. Nestled in the
building a Koi pond, constructed of laminated stainless
steel layers and a large custom cast glass piece echoes
the view of Farrar pond from this outdoor lilac bluestone
patio. A layered Stainless Steel Trough fountain system
at the edge of the Koi Pond aerates and filtrates the
water at its source.

The sculptural Corten Steel fence creates
a secure area for the client and their dogs along the
kame ridge on the west side of the property and acts
as a counterpoint to the solid CorTen retaining walls
along the main drive at the kettle area on the east
site. The form of this fence was inspired by the structure
of oak leaves that inhabit the site. Its height ranges
from 4’ to 6’ in height as it undulates
in the landscape and is 12” thick because of its
four steel layers that allow for the curvature of the
structure. The Fence system expands and contracts like
an accordion and was brought to the site bolted in its
most contracted position and then craned and unbolted
to expand register the changes in the site topography.
This enclosure was made up of four sizes of steel bar
stock that was constructed with an intricate flexible
joint system that allows the design to transform and
morph with the subtle undulating ground plane.

Lilac bluestone pavers are placed like
stepping stones throughout the front entry sequence,
the driveway edging and the paths through the forest,
so that all surfaces are pervious to runoff and drainage.
Moss and thyme are planted between the open weave pattern
of the bluestone. The path moves under the fence and
through the forest allowing for the ground plane materials
of bluestone gravel, pavers, and plant material to create
rich transitions at thresholds throughout the design.

The reflective Koi pond located within
the building is made up of light materials that work
with the stainless steel and bluestone architecture.
An 8’ x 10’ custom designed cast glass piece
with a three dimensional wave pattern allows for the
clients to step out of their kitchen directly above
the pond. Interwoven laminated stainless steel bridges
allow for visual transparency to the Koi fish and access
across the pond while offering the fish protection from
predators.

The project maintains the resonant qualities
of this New England forest landscape and the town’s
strict land stewardship by laws of watershed protection
and dark sky requirements while asserting a contemporary
sculptural language.